Accident At Work Claims Solicitors - No Win No Fee

If you have been injured at work because of unsafe conditions or your employer’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation — and you should not have to pay anything upfront to find out.

No Win No Fee: The law limits our success fee to 25% of the compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenity and for past financial losses, after any state benefits are repaid. Compensation for future losses is not counted. If you win, our success fee is deducted from your compensation. It is a percentage of our basic charges, and the law limits it as set out above. Any After the Event insurance premium is payable only if you win, and is never charged upfront. Your letter of engagement sets out exactly what you will pay for your type of claim, and we explain it before you sign. If you lose, you pay us nothing. This applies as long as you keep to your responsibilities under the agreement. You may have to pay costs if you end your claim early, fail to beat an offer the other side made, or a court finds your claim dishonest or exaggerated; where we have arranged After the Event insurance, it covers some of these costs if you keep to the policy's terms. See exactly what you pay.

NJS Law’s accident at work solicitors work on a No Win No Fee basis, which means if your claim is unsuccessful, you pay nothing.

We act for injured workers across England and Wales, covering everything from slips and falls to serious machinery and construction site injuries.

Accident at work claims are part of our Personal Injury Claims service. See also: Road Traffic Accident Claims · Serious Injury Claims

No Win No Fee · SRA REGULATED · FREE ASSESSMENT

Injured at work? Find out if you have a claim.

680,000 workers were injured in the workplace in 2024–25. You may be entitled to compensation.

Check If You're Eligible With
Our Accident At Work Solicitors

Tell us what happened using the enquiry form on this page. Our solicitors will review your situation and confirm your eligibility in a free consultation.

Who Can Make an Accident at Work Claim?

You may be able to make an accident at work claim if you are:

• An employee — full-time, part-time, or on a fixed-term contract
• A worker or agency worker — including zero-hours and temporary staff
• Self-employed — if you were working on someone else’s premises and they had control over your working conditions
• A contractor — if the site owner or principal contractor failed in their duty of care
• A workplace visitor — injured while on business premises
• A child or young person — whose parent or guardian can bring a claim on their behalf
• A person who lacks mental capacity — where a litigation friend manages the claim

Could You Be Entitled to Accident at Work Compensation?

You may be entitled to make an accident at work claim if all three of the following apply:

1. You suffered a physical or psychological injury at work.
2. The injury happened within the last three years (or another time limit applies — see below).
3. Your employer, or another responsible party, was at fault — either fully or partially.

You can still claim even if the accident was partly your fault. In those cases, your compensation may be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility — this is called contributory negligence. Read more: Can I Claim If the Accident Was Partly My Fault?

If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, our solicitors can give you a free, no-obligation assessment.

How Long Do I Have to Make an Accident at Work Claim?

In England and Wales, you have three years from the date of your accident — or the date you first became aware that your injury was linked to your work — to make a claim. This time limit is set out in the Limitation Act 1980.

Missing this deadline will almost always mean you lose your right to claim, so it is important to take legal advice as early as possible. There are, however, important exceptions:

• Children: if the injured person is under 18, the three-year clock does not start until they turn 18. A claim can be made on their behalf before that date by a litigation friend, usually a parent or guardian. Read more: Personal Injury Claims for Children: A Guide for Parents.
• If someone lacked mental capacity when the injury happened, the three years do not start until they regain it. If they lose capacity later, the time limit keeps running, so act quickly.
• Fatal workplace accidents: claims under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976 must generally be brought within three years of the date of death or the dependant’s date of knowledge.

For a full explanation of all time limit exceptions and what to do if you are approaching your deadline, see our guide: Personal Injury Claim Time Limits in England and Wales.

For guidance on how long the claim process itself takes once you have started: How Long Does a Personal Injury Claim Take?

How Much Compensation Can I Claim for an Accident at Work?

There is no single fixed amount — compensation is calculated based on the type and severity of your injury, the impact it has had on your life, and the financial losses you have suffered as a result.

The starting point for valuing injuries is the Judicial College Guidelines, 18th edition (2026), which set out the compensation brackets judges use when assessing general damages in England and Wales. The table below gives indicative ranges based on the 18th edition:

Important: these ranges are a general guide only, based on the Judicial College Guidelines, 18th edition (2026), and do not constitute legal advice. Special damages — including lost earnings, medical costs, and care — are assessed separately and may significantly increase the total.

What Is the Average Personal Injury Compensation Payout in the UK?

Contact NJS Law for a free, no-obligation assessment of your specific claim.

Real result from our team: in one recent case, our solicitors secured a £3.7 million settlement for a warehouse worker who suffered catastrophic injuries in a forklift accident. While this reflects an exceptional case, it demonstrates the scale of compensation available for serious harm. This outcome is illustrative of results we’ve achieved — not typical or promised. Read more of our case results below.

What Types of Accident at Work Can You Claim For?

Our solicitors handle the full spectrum of workplace accident claims across England and Wales.

Slips, Trips and Falls at Work Wet floors, uneven surfaces or obstructed walkways caused by unsafe conditions or negligence. Falls from Height Ladders, scaffolding, roofs and platforms — the leading cause of fatal workplace injury. Manual Handling Injuries Back, shoulder and wrist injuries from lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling. Machinery and Equipment Injuries If poorly maintained equipment, machinery or forklifts caused your injury, you may be able to claim. Construction Site Accidents Scaffold collapses and struck-by incidents where site safety duties were breached. Forklift and Vehicle Accidents Accidents involving forklifts, site vehicles, or delivery lorries in the workplace. PUWER 1998 and LOLER 1998 impose strict duties on employers operating lift trucks and other work vehicles. Faulty or Dangerous Equipment Claims Injuries caused by defective, poorly maintained, or unsuitable work equipment. Your employer has strict duties under PUWER 1998 to ensure all equipment is safe, inspected, and fit for purpose before use. Electrical Injuries at Work Shocks and burns from live equipment, exposed wiring or unsafe isolation. Burns and Scalds at Work Thermal, chemical and radiation burns caused by an employer's failure to protect you. Lack of PPE Claims Failure to provide helmets, gloves, eye protection, hi-vis or respiratory gear.

Understanding Whether You Have an Accident at Work Claim

If you’ve been injured at work and aren’t sure what your rights are, our free guide gives you clear, straightforward answers.

• Your rights as an injured worker in England and Wales
• What separates an accident from legally actionable employer negligence
• The 3-year time limit and when it starts running
• How contributory negligence can affect your compensation
• How to take the next step with confidence

The Law Behind Accident at Work Claims

Accident at work claims in England and Wales are governed by a combination of statute and common law. Understanding the legal basis strengthens your claim.

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We have recovered £10m+ for our clients.

Figures are compensation before any deductions.

How Do I Make an Accident at Work Claim? A Step-by-Step Guide

Making an accident at work claim with NJS Law follows five clear stages, from your first free call through to settlement. Here is exactly what happens at each step.

1. Report Your Accident

Report the accident to your employer as soon as possible and ensure it is recorded in the workplace accident book. Ask for a copy of the entry. This creates an official record of the incident date, location, and circumstances.

2. Seek Medical Attention

Visit your GP or A&E immediately after the accident — even if injuries seem minor. Describe exactly how the accident happened. Medical records are one of the most important pieces of evidence in any workplace injury claim.

3. Gather Evidence

Photograph the accident scene, the hazard that caused the injury, and your injuries. Collect witness names and contact details. Request CCTV footage immediately — most employers overwrite recordings within 30 days.

4. Contact NJS Law for a Free Assessment

Speak to one of our specialist accident at work solicitors for a free, no-obligation assessment of your claim. We will tell you clearly whether you have a valid claim and what it is likely to be worth.

5. We Investigate and Issue a Letter of Claim

If we take on your case, we gather all available evidence and issue a formal Letter of Claim to your employer’s insurer. They have 21 days to acknowledge receipt and a further period to investigate and respond.

6. Independent Medical Assessment

You will be referred to an independent medical expert who will examine you and produce a report on your injuries, prognosis, and any ongoing treatment you need. This report is central to valuing your claim.

7. Negotiation and Settlement

We present a full Schedule of Loss to the defendant’s insurer and negotiate a settlement on your behalf. Most claims settle at this stage, without going to court.

8. You Receive Your Compensation

Once a settlement is agreed or judgment awarded, your compensation is paid. Your solicitor’s success fee is deducted at this stage — the amount is agreed with you before you sign anything.

How Long Does a Claim Take?

Straightforward workplace accidents — typically 9–18 months

Disputed liability or complex cases — typically 12–24 months

Serious & catastrophic workplace injury — typically 2–5 years

Real Results for Real People – What Our Clients Have Achieved

Catastrophic Workplace Injury · Forklift Accident

£3,700,000 Settlement — Life-Changing Workplace Injury

A warehouse operative suffered life-changing injuries in a forklift accident at work. Facing permanent disability and unable to return to work, he needed specialist support to rebuild his life.

Our solicitor Nichola Johnson built a comprehensive claim covering his injuries, future care needs, lost career earnings, and necessary home adaptations. After sustained negotiation, we secured a £3.7 million settlement — one of the largest workplace injury awards our firm has achieved.

• Employer's liability established under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• Interim payments secured to fund urgent rehabilitation and accessible housing
• Independent experts evidenced the full lifetime cost of care and lost earnings
• Final settlement significantly exceeded the defendant's initial offers

Read the Full Case Story £3,700,000 Settlement Secured · No Win No Fee

“With the interim payments, I managed to rent and furnish a four-bedroom bungalow. I bought an SUV that's easier for me to get in and out of. I can walk a little and drive again. It won't bring back the life I once had, but it eases the pain. Stay strong and talk to people — there is life after your accident.”

— NJS Law client · Forklift accident · Workplace serious injury

Faulty Equipment · Manual Handling

£17,000 — Severe Leg Injuries from Faulty Workplace Equipment

Defective, poorly maintained equipment malfunctioned without warning, causing a heavy load to fall onto both legs and resulting in broken bones, ligament damage and long-term mobility issues. Our client's employer had failed to maintain the equipment properly.

Read More Workplace Obstruction · Employer Negligence

£9,500 — Broken Leg from Workplace Obstruction and Pump Truck Accident

Our client tripped over a pallet left in a cluttered workspace and was then trapped by a moving pump truck. We successfully argued liability based on unsafe conditions and poor housekeeping at the site.

Read More Employer Negligence · Office Equipment

£18,000 — Arm Injury from Poorly Positioned Office Equipment

A printer wedged tightly against a wall caused a serious arm injury when our client tried to clear a jam. We proved the employer failed to provide a safe workplace setup and risk assessment.

Read More Employer Liability · Fall Injury

Accident at Work Claim — Fall Through an Unguarded Cellar Hatch

When our client came to work one day, he had no idea he was about to suffer an injury that would change his life. A fall through an open, unguarded cellar hatch left him unable to drive, struggling with mobility, and under severe financial pressure. His employer refused to accept liability, leaving him uncertain about his next steps.

He chose NJS Law because he had trusted our solicitors before. With our accident at work specialists guiding him, he pursued his claim on a No Win No Fee basis and secured the compensation he deserved.

• Open cellar hatch — a clear breach of HSWA 1974 and MHSWR 1999
• Employer's denial of liability robustly challenged with expert evidence
• Medical records and witness statements established direct causation
• NJS Law negotiated firmly against the employer's insurer to secure fair compensation

Read More Case Studies Compensation Secured

Case outcomes shown are genuine, individual results and are illustrative of outcomes we've achieved — not typical or promised, as every claim is decided on its own facts.

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Not Sure If Your Situation Qualifies for an Accident at Work Claim?

Speak to an Accident at Work Solicitor Today – Free Consultation

Why Choose NJS Law as Your Accident at Work Solicitors

Being injured at work can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure of your rights or worried about your job. Our solicitors provide clear, honest advice and manage every aspect of your claim, so you can focus on recovery. We gather the evidence, value your claim and negotiate with the insurer.

All accident at work claims at NJS Law are handled under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) — what most people call No Win No Fee. Here is exactly what that means for you:

• No upfront cost: You pay nothing to start your claim. There are no consultation fees, no retainer, and no disbursements charged upfront.
• No cost if you lose: You pay nothing upfront, and if you lose you pay us nothing.
• A success fee if you win: If your claim succeeds, we deduct a success fee from your compensation. We explain every deduction in writing before you sign.
• ATE insurance: Where we arrange After the Event insurance, it covers the other side's costs and your disbursements if you lose, on the policy's terms.

You can read a full plain-English explanation of how No Win No Fee agreements work at No Win No Fee Claims Page.

Meet Your Accident at Work Legal Team

Our accident at work solicitors combine more than 200 years of combined legal experience with a client-first approach. We know how difficult this time can be — and we’ll stand by your side throughout your claim.

Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward securing the compensation the law allows for your injury and losses.

How Our Accident at Work Solicitors Support Your Claim

At NJS Law, we understand that no two accident at work cases are the same. That’s why we offer personalised legal support, taking into account every aspect of your injury and its impact.

Here’s how we help build your claim:

No Win No Fee Accident at Work Claims — Explained Clearly

All accident at work claims at NJS Law are handled under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) — what most people call No Win No Fee. Here is exactly what that means for you:

• No upfront cost: You pay nothing to start your claim. There are no consultation fees, no retainer, and no disbursements charged upfront.
• No cost if you lose: You pay nothing upfront, and if you lose you pay us nothing.
• A success fee if you win: If your claim succeeds, we deduct a success fee from your compensation. We explain every deduction in writing before you sign.
• ATE insurance: Where we arrange After the Event insurance, it covers the other side's costs and your disbursements if you lose, on the policy's terms.

We explain every detail of the agreement clearly before you sign. We explain every deduction in writing before you sign. Read more: No Win No Fee Claims – Explained.

No Win No Fee · SRA REGULATED · FREE ASSESSMENT

Injured at work? Find out if you have a claim.

680,000 workers were injured in the workplace in 2024–25. You may be entitled to compensation.

Accident at Work Claims – Frequently Asked Questions

Making an accident at work claim can feel overwhelming. Below we’ve answered themost common questions our clients ask. These cover eligibility, time limits, compensation, and what happens if your case goes to court.

How long do I have to make an accident at work claim?

In most cases, you have three years from the date of your accident to issue court proceedings under the Limitation Act 1980. If your injury resulted from a gradually developing condition (such as an industrial disease), the three-year clock may run from when you first knew, or ought reasonably to have known, that the condition was linked to your work. For children, the three years starts on their 18th birthday. For full details, see our guide: Personal Injury Claim Time Limits

How much compensation can I get for an accident at work?

Compensation depends on the nature and severity of your injury, your recovery time, and the financial losses you have suffered. Minor injuries can attract a few thousand pounds. Serious or life-changing injuries can result in six or seven-figure awards. NJS Law will give you a realistic estimate at your free initial assessment. See the compensation table on this page for guidance on typical ranges by injury type.

Will my accident at work claim go to court?

The vast majority of accident at work claims settle before a court hearing. Court proceedings may be issued to protect the time limit or to accelerate negotiations, but in most cases a hearing is not required. If your case does go to trial, your solicitor will prepare you thoroughly for what to expect.

Can my employer dismiss me for making a claim?

No. It is automatically unfair dismissal under the Employment Rights Act 1996 to dismiss an employee for asserting a statutory right, including the right to bring a workplace injury claim. You also cannot lawfully be subject to demotion or harassment for bringing one. Read more.

What evidence do I need for an accident at work claim?

No. It is automatically unfair dismissal under the Employment Rights Act 1996 to dismiss an employee for asserting a statutory right, which includes the right to make a workplace injury claim. You also cannot legally be subject to detriment, demotion, or harassment for bringing a claim. Your employer’s liability insurer — not your employer personally — pays your compensation, which removes any financial incentive for your employer to treat you unfairly.

Can I claim if I was self-employed or a contractor?

Yes, in many circumstances. If a site owner, principal contractor, or another employer had effective control over your working conditions, they may owe you a duty of care even if you were not their direct employee. Claims involving self-employed workers are more complex, but NJS Law handles them regularly. Contact us to discuss the specific circumstances of your accident.

What evidence do I need for an accident at work claim?

The most useful evidence includes: the accident book entry, photographs of the hazard and your injuries, CCTV footage (request this immediately — most employers overwrite within 30 days), witness names and contact details, and your medical records from GP and hospital. Your solicitor will advise on any additional evidence needed once they have reviewed your case.

What if my employer denies liability for the accident?

This is very common. An initial denial of liability does not mean your claim will fail. Your solicitor will investigate, gather evidence, and present a detailed legal case to the defendant’s insurer. If the insurer continues to dispute liability, court proceedings can be issued — which usually prompts a further round of negotiation. Most claims with strong evidence settle even after an initial denial.

What if my employer has gone out of business or into administration?

You can still claim. The Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 requires all employers to hold liability insurance. The insurer remains liable even after the employer closes, goes into administration, or becomes insolvent. Your solicitor will trace the relevant insurer and pursue the claim directly against them. In some cases, insurers can be traced through the Employers’ Liability Tracing Office.

Can I claim if the accident was partly my fault?

Yes. Where both you and your employer share responsibility for the accident, your compensation is reduced by the percentage of your fault under the Law Reform (Contributory Negligence) Act 1945. For example, if you are found 25% responsible and your injuries are valued at £40,000, you would recover £30,000. Contributory negligence reduces your award — it does not bar you from claiming. For more, read: Can I Claim If the Accident Was Partly My Fault?

What is RIDDOR and does it matter for my claim?

RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013) requires employers to report certain serious workplace accidents to the HSE. If your accident should have been reported under RIDDOR, a copy of that report can support your claim as an independent official record. If your employer failed to file a required report, this itself is evidence of poor health and safety compliance — and it will not prevent you from claiming. See the RIDDOR section on this page for more detail.

Can I get any compensation before my claim settles?

Yes — in some circumstances. If liability has been admitted and your losses are clear, your solicitor can apply to the court for an interim payment — a sum paid on account of your final compensation to help with immediate financial needs such as lost wages, medical costs, or care. This is particularly valuable in serious injury cases. For full details, read: Interim Payments in Personal Injury Claims

Accident at Work Claim Guides & Expert Tips

Explore our latest guides and expert tips on accident at work claims. Learn what affects compensation, who may be liable, and how to strengthen your case.

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No Win No Fee · SRA REGULATED · FREE ASSESSMENT

Injured at work? Find out if you have a claim.

680,000 workers were injured in the workplace in 2024–25. You may be entitled to compensation.

Thinking about a claim? Read about Personal injury claims and how No Win No Fee works, or send us your enquiry.